WHEN YOU LOVE

XMAS MAYHEM

Somewhere in London.

"I don't understand why we have to spend our Christmas with my Ex-wife and her wife. Really, I don't. I did the maths; it doesn't add up, but subtracts," Lee said as they walked up the pathway to Camiles' and Janets' house.

Sana sighed, "we have to because that's what families do. Dylan is expecting us."

"Can't we spend Christmas with yours?"

Sana turned her head to the side and slid it back, "Lee, do you sincerely want to meet my parents?"

The man shrugged, "well, I think it will be better than spending Christmas in the L-world."

Sana giggled and shook her head, "Lee, stop exaggerating. The L-world what else?"

The man tugged on his collar, "and this sweater is sure hot."

"It's cold, Lee."

"Speak for yourself. Don't forget my ancestors spent their life with their bullocks hanging out from under their kilts," Lee said, taking the most pronounced accent he had, "and why does the bloody embroidered heart have to be so big?"

Sana closed her eyes, "because your heart is just as big, besides it's the brands' logo. AMI makes great quality sweaters."

"They can; they're expensive, blimey heck," the man said. He lowered his gaze and tugged on the bottom of the sweater to look at it. "I forbid you to spend that much on me again." Internally Lee loved the thick beige turtle neck.

Camille always thought practical when she bought him something. She never invested in his wardrobe to Lees' delight. Camille had very classic tastes where gray and black multiplied in her wardrobe. One could believe she never changed clothes. Whereas Sana loved vibrating colors, she understood Lee liked the sober with a touch of audacity.

Even without Sanas' comprehension of his preferences, the man appreciated the gesture that gave him the impression she cared for him.

Sana was the woman with the tender intentions. She stopped in every vinyl store she saw to find rarities. She didn't go through customs without getting Lees' fav aftershave, perfume, or chocolates. For the first time in a while. If not to say in years, Lee didn't feel like the invisible half.

"Let me have a look at you," Lee turned to face her, and Sana proceeded to lower and bulk the fabric of the neck part of his sweater.

Lee frowned at what seemed to be a profound examination of his neckline, "what are you doing?"

"Checking you're not irritated. I read the rubbing of the fabric on your beard could do that."

The man's gaze softened as he stared at the woman with her wavy black hair she had grown out from her bob. It was odd how one minute, you threw beer on someone's face, and the next, they became an essential element of your life.

Sana looked up, "Lee, what's the matter?"

"Have I ever told you I love you?"

Sana's breath hitched. Her already crimson cheek caught fire while her nose beeped like Rodolph, the red nose reindeer.

"Lee."

The man leaned and kissed the tip of her nose, sighed, turned to face the door, "well, at least that's done. You can ring the doorbell now."

Sana shook her head; the man was incapable of maintaining any momentum that seemed solemn. Yet Lee never played with words, and Sana knew the man meant what he said even if he moved on to the next subject in an instant.

"Don'tㅡ."

Sanas' lips quirked, "what?"

"Say I love you too. People do it in movies, but it's the worst," Lee said with turning to face her.